With its gorges, coastlines, wineries and restaurants, McLaren Vale is a fine purveyor of flavours to savour and landscapes to behold.
Established as a wine region in 1838, it boasts more than 180 years of expertise. Today, it is known for innovative horticulture and techniques, with an international reputation for producing the trilogy of reds: shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and grenache. In fact, 54 percent of the region’s 7,308 hectares of vine land is dedicated to growing shiraz grapes.
As well as the range of boutique cellar doors and renowned labels, the region’s tantalising topography is another major drawcard. Just a short walk into the woods will immerse you in the tranquillity of the 700-million-year-old Onkaparinga Gorge, which is surrounded by a fertile national park.
The lands which are now called McLaren Vale belong to the Kuarna people, who once called the area Ngangkiparringa.
Read on to explore the top McLaren Vale vineyards that make this region so unique.
Marvel at the beauty of Samson Tall
In 2015, owners Paul Wilson and Heather Budich purchased a small church, which was built by British farmer Samson Tall in 1854. Today, the historic building has been transformed into a boutique winery, with views across green lawns and sprawling vineyards.
The quaint tasting room is complete with pews and a table fashioned from old staves, where you can taste Samson Tall’s single vineyard wines before viewing the cellars. There’s even a glass pane offering views of the original pug walls (clay, stone and rubble mixed with water, also known as ‘1850s rammed earth’).
Paul and Heather make their wine out of grapes purchased from local McLaren Vale growers, in a small winery on their property. Visitors should also check out the on-site cemetery, where the winery’s namesake – Samson Tall – still lies, along with his first and second wives.
Tastings are only $15 per person, and are redeemable on wine purchases. Book a tasting or find out more about the cellar door at samsontall.com.au
Step back in time at Wirra Wirra Vineyards
Continuing down the historic route, Wirra Wirra Vineyards is an eclectic mix of Australia’s aristocratic and sporting past. The winery was built by former state cricketer, Robert Strangways Wigley, in 1894, before being rebuilt by fellow cricket lover Greg Trott in 1969.
As you enter past the river red gum-threaded fence known as ‘woodhenge’, you’ll spot preserved ironstone cellars, an old barrel hall, a historic belltower housing a 3/4 tonne bell, and a medieval catapult (used to fling watermelons into a nearby paddock).
Chief Winemaker Emma Wood is the woman behind the wines, which can be tasted in the newly-rennovated cellar door. Choose from a selection of curated tasting flights, or design your own selection – the choice is yours. For a more unique experience, book an Ironstone Cellar Tasting and go behind-the-scenes with a friendly guide to learn all about the history and winemaking practices of the vineyard, before a guided tasting of award-winning wines.
For lunch, Harry’s Deli the on-site restaurant boasting a contemporary Australian menu seasonally designed to reflect the best local produce. Think estate-grown vegetables, sustainably caught local seafood, and produce from regional farmers. Plus, each dish has been carefully curated to pair perfectly with Wirra Wirra wines. The enclosed courtyards looks out over the gardens and vineyards, while you can also dine beside the wood-burning fireplace in winter.
Wirra Wirra Vineyards was awarded global winner at the 2021 Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards, and it’s easy to see why.
Primo Estate is a slice of Italy on Aussie soil
At Primo Estate, the unique range of wines has been created with the family’s Italian heritage in mind. At the cellar door, you can taste handcrafted McLaren Vale wines paired with freshly-baked bread and Italian cheese, as well as JOSEPH olive oil (which is also made on site).
Primo Grilli, the man behind the brand, arrived from Italy in 1953 as a ripe 18-year-old. Twenty years later, he built his dream winery, with his son, Joseph, taking over the business as a Dux of the Roseworthy Wine graduate. His radical, experimental techniques blended original Italian winemaking skills with modern Australian, giving this cutting-edge winery its multicultural characteristics and reputation. Daniel, Joseph’s eldest son (now also Duxed), continues the family dynasty as the only duxed father and son in Australia.
Oliver’s Taranga is a family affair
Another must-visit McLaren Vale Winery has been run by the Oliver family for six generations. Over 185 years, they have produced a collection of small batch, handcrafted wines on their 100 hectare property, welcoming guests from all over the world.
At the cellar door, you can choose between the cosy heritage worker’s cottage or the deck overlooking the vines for your tasting experience. The friendly Oliver family are happy to walk you through tasting notes and varietals, before leaving you to enjoy your drinks.
Plus, you can explore the vineyard close-up on a Terroir Tour, where guests are invited to climb into “Ollie” the gold buggy and tour the vineyards, tasting each wine variety next to the grapes it came from. On this experience, you’ll also learn all about the heritage sites, viticulture and incredible drops that make Oliver’s Taranga so unique.
Take a culinary adventure at Down the Rabbit Hole
Down the Rabbit Hole is a stunning winery known for its charming atmosphere and handcrafted range of wines. At the cellar door, you can enjoy a guided tasting experience, or kick back on a comfy picnic rug under a shady umbrella on the lawn to enjoy the good weather. Food and drinks are available all day long, including house-made Italian pizza, cheese boards and share plates.
Or, if you’re feeling fancy, embrace an authentic Italian experience at Fiore Restaurant. Here, the fuss is taken out of the dining process, with an entirely set menu combining fresh, seasonal ingredients and Italian flavours. Each table receives an abundance of share plates, such as antipasti, pasta and sides. Plus, each Thursday is Pizza and Wine night, where you’ll receive a selection of delicious Italian pizzas and matching wines.
On Friday evenings from November to April, you can watch the sun set over rolling vineyards with Golden Times. Listen to live music from local artists, enjoy a glass of wine, and dine on pasta and cheeseboards with loved ones.
Art, food and wine combine at d’Arenberg
Since 1912, the Osborn family have made award-winning wine in the stunning McLaren Vale region, curating a name as one of the best Australian wine labels. When visiting the estate, you will be immersed in a wine experience like no other.
Step inside the cub-shaped building located in the middle of the property, where each of the five levels are designed to enhance the visitor experience. On the top level, the tasting room offers panoramic views over the landscape while you savour a selection of the best d’Arenberg wines. You can also sign up for a blending experience, where you play winemaker and blend your very own drop.
In the cube, you will also discover a wine sensory room, virtual fermenter, 360 degree video room, and gallery. on the ground floor, the Alternate Realities Museum showcases work by talented artists, including the largest Salvador Dali sculpture exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere with 25 authentic Dali bronze sculptures and graphic artworks.
After immersing yourself in the world of wine like never before, wander across the property to d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant, which is housed in a 19th century homestead. Using the best local ingredients, the eight-course degustation menu is a celebration of the McLaren Vale region, and can be paired with matching wines. Alternatively, select your own two-or-three-course menu from the à la carte menu, and savour delicious wines while you’re at it.
A cellar you’ll remember at Victory Hotel
Visionary Doug Govan, publican of the 1854-established Victory Hotel, took over this popular venue 18 years ago. And, while not technically a winery, it has transformed into a wine-lover’s haven.
The hotel is known for its impressive wine cellar, which houses an array of Australian and international wines in a temperature controlled setting. It’s an impressive collection of Wendouree wines, as well Moss Wood, Cullen, and Chateau Leoville Barton. The Old Faithful Shiraz fetches a fine $300 per bottle. The Felton Road pinot noir comes in at $350. And bottles of Ceretto asks for $650. In fact, you’ll find yourself surrounded by 8,000 bottles if you descend into the cellar.
The hotel restaurant is another important stop, run by head chef Glenn Worrall. The seasonal menu reflects the freshest local produce, and you can contact the team to have a selected wine decanted before dining.
Looking for more winery inspiration? Check out 6 incredible day trips from Adelaide for wineries and wildlife.
Travel to McLaren Vale
Rex flies to Adelaide. Book your flights here and check out the route map below.
